Calgary Flames at Montreal Canadiens [Game #71 Thread]

The Calgary Flames exit the Saddledome and head west to Centre Bell to take on the Montreal Canadians. The Flames played a great game against the Colorado Avalanche, but ultimately lost in a shoot out. For those that are still holding out hope, those were two crucial points to give up to a team that they were chasing in the standings.

Niklas Backstrom will get his first start with the Flames tonight spelling Joni Ortio. This was a planned start for Backstrom, though Ortio didn't give the Flames any reason to stray from those plans last game. The Flames 24 year old netminder gave up three goals in 23 shots at even strength - good for a .870 save percentage which won't get a win on most nights. For Backstrom, this is his first start this year.

Squaring off in the opposite net will be Mike Condon. The Canadiens have seen some goaltending woes of their own since Carey Price went down with a season ending injury and Condon hasn't been stellar. Given his numbers this season, Condon is best served as either being a backup or an AHL level starter, so if Backstrom can perform amicably this could ultimately favor the Flames.

Tyler Wotherspoon has been recalled on an emergency loan as Deryk Engelland welcomes a child into the world. Whether or not he will manage to arrive in time for the game remains to be seen, but it looks likely. If he fails to do so, Calgary will be running with five defensemen. With a 38 year old netminder making his first start in net this season, that could make this game incredibly interesting to say the least.